ISWAP terrorists have killed one of the 'Action Against Hunger' aid workers who were kidnapped in Borno state.
File photo
The Islamic State West Africa Province has executed one of the workers of Action Against Hunger abducted in July, SaharaReporters reports.
Six members of the organization that delivers neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian aid to millions of people in Borno and Yobe states were kidnapped when a convoy of the aid agency was heading to Damasak in Borno.
One person was killed in the attack while six others were abducted.
Ahmad Salkida, a conflict and terrorism reporter, revealed the killing of one of the aid workers in a tweet attributing the action to a breakdown of secret negotiations between the Nigerian government and the terrorist group.
He tweeted: “ISWAP has executed one of the six aid workers, working with the Action Against Hunger that were abducted two months ago in Borno. One of the male aid workers was executed at close range in a short video clip seen by this reporter.
“The group, in a horrific video of the execution, said it took the action because 'the government deceived them' following months of what is now known as secret negotiations between a team of intermediaries and unnamed officials.
“ISWAP has also threatened to execute the other remaining staff of the International Non Governmental organization (ACF/AAH).”
SaharaReporters had published a video where one of the abducted workers, Grace Taku, was appealing to the Federal government, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the international community to come to her rescue.
“We don’t where we are. At this moment, we don’t know where we are. I am the only Christian among them. I am appealing to the Christian Association of Nigeria to please assist and do something about me,” she said.
The Nigerian Army recently declared the NGO persona non grata, alleging that it is aiding the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria.
The NGO had denied the accusation and expressed its readiness to support any investigation by the government on its activities in the country.
“On September 18, Action Against Hunger was ordered by the Nigerian Army to close its main offices in Borno and Yobe States, northeastern Nigeria. This decision, given without notice, has put into jeopardy the vital assistance that Action Against Hunger is providing to millions of people across Borno and Yobe states.
“Action Against Hunger strongly rejects the accusation of 'aiding and abetting' a terrorist organization and is working productively with the Nigerian authorities to try and resolve this situation.
“Action Against Hunger stands ready to support any investigation, and will work tirelessly with the Nigerian authorities to allay any concerns they may have about our operations in the region,” the NGO said.